K's for Cancer, charity formed by G-A baseball, making significant strides

Saturday

Mar 16, 2013 at 10:00 AM

By Ben Destefan

GREENCASTLE — In just one year of existence, a charitable initiative set forth by the Greencastle-Antrim baseball program is now officially recognized as an incorporated non-profit organization.

Still in the final phases of the tax-exemption process, K's for Cancer has blossomed exponentially in recent months, gaining the voluntary support of several specialized individuals and businesses committed to the cause.

Inspired by close friend Justin Hilton, who was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in 2008, G-A head coach Eric Shaner formulated a vision dedicated to improving the lives of those battling the disease while raising proceeds to help find a cure.

With the collective endorsement of the baseball booster club, which agreed to contribute $3 for every strikeout recorded by a varsity pitcher throughout G-A's 2012 campaign, the groundwork for the organization took shape prior to the Blue Devils' season opener last spring.

Through strikeouts, merchandise sales and donations, K's for Cancer raised a total of $1,475 by season's end, which the baseball team presented to the American Cancer Society at the annual Greencastle Relay for Life last May.

Considering the immediate success, Shaner and his support staff intended to conduct the charity in similar fashion during the upcoming 2013 baseball season, setting an initial goal of raising $2,000 to again present at this year's Relay for Life.

On Jan. 6, that all changed when Hilton, 28, passed away from complications associated with his cancer.

In memory of Hilton, as part of the annual Mardi Gras celebration held in his hometown of Williamsport (Pa.) every February, K's for Cancer was selected as the charity of choice by Barrel 135, one of several Williamsport establishments that promoted a charity throughout the celebration.

Following a silent auction at Barrel 135 and a slew of significant donations, K's for Cancer raised a record-setting $30,250, the largest amount in the event's history.

Fittingly, Hilton was also named the 2013 Williamsport Mardi Gras King.

"We tried to make something positive out of a tragic situation," said Shaner, who also grew up in Williamsport. "It's been amazing, the outreach from people that want to help by donating or volunteering services. We started the new year with a goal of raising $2,000. We ended up raising more than $30,000 in two months."

With such a dramatic boost in fundraising and support, future plans coincide with the growth of the charity.

"The objective all along has been to try and make the lives of cancer patients easier," Shaner explained. "We're looking into donating some of what we raise to helping with transportation to treatment facilities and providing overnight bags for those in hospice care. The idea is to help in any way that we can."

The G-A Baseball Boosters will continue contributing $3 for every strikeout recorded by Blue Devil varsity pitchers throughout the upcoming season, with teams in the Williamsport area also participating in the 'K's for Cancer Challenge' this spring. Shaner is also offering an informal invitation to any and all schools that wish to join in on the challenge.

Aside from t-shirts and bracelets available for purchase sporting this year's slogan 'I Pitched In', raffle tickets will be sold at G-A home games for a chance to win a shirt autographed by former Major League Baseball pitcher Mike Mussina and WNBA player Kelly Mazzante, both of whom Shaner knows personally from their days in Williamsport.

In addition, the Williamsport Crosscutters, a minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have agreed to host K's for Cancer Night on July 20. Crosscutter players will wear uniforms incorporating the charity's logo that they will later autograph to be auctioned off.

Donations can be made at any time by visiting the K's for Cancer website at www.ksforcancer.org

Any teams interested in participating in the 'K's for Cancer Challenge' this season can also contact the charity via the website while merchandise is expected to be available for purchase online soon.

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